The role of frozen section in the management of early endometrioid endometrial carcinoma

AbstractObjective: To assess the accuracy of intraoperative frozen section in patients with early endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the endometrium.Methods: Frozen section was compared with definitive histology in patients with early endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the endometrium. Prognostic factors such as grade, depth of invasion and cervical involvement were compared to assess whether frozen section could make a contribution in identifying patients who were at risk of lymph node metastases.Results: There were 61 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Frozen section was correct when compared to definitive histology in 93.5% of cases. For depth of invasion and cervical involvement, frozen section was correct in 95.1% and 90% of cases respectively.Conclusion: Frozen section seems, in this study, to be a useful intraoperative tool to identify patients who are at risk of lymph node metastases.